Free wheel locks from Manteca, Lathrop police

If you own one of nine vehicle models that are the most popular with thieves in San Joaquin County you can get some free help protecting your ride.

Starting Monday police departments in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop as well as throughout the county will distribute free anti-theft steering wheel locking devices to owners of the top nine vehicles targeted by thieves. A limited number of anti-theft devices were purchased with funding from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The county is consistently within the top seven areas in the country each year in terms of auto theft.

The joint effort being conducted in cooperation with the multi-agency Delta Regional Auto Theft Team is augmenting ongoing enforcement and prosecution with efforts to prevent auto theft through awareness and prevention.

Investigators have identified the top nine most stolen vehicles in San Joaquin County as:

1. 1989 to 1997 Honda Accord

2. 1988 to 2000 Honda Civic

3. 1987 to 1996 Toyota Camry

4. 1990 to 1998 Acura Integra

5. 1993 to 1998 Saturn SL

6. 1992 to 1994 Nissan Sentra

7. 1989 to 2001 Chevy Pickup

8. 1987 to 1995 Toyota Pickup

9. 1987 to 1995 Nissan Pickup

The only three requirements to receive a free anti-theft device are:

1. Own a vehicle on the top nine most stolen vehicle list

2. Vehicle must be currently registered

3. Be a resident of San Joaquin County

A common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Auto theft investigators recommend you should secure your vehicle even if parking for a brief period. You should always:

• Remove your keys from the ignition

• Lock your doors / close your windows

• Park in a well-lit area

To pick up a free lock, simply stop by any of the participating law enforcement agencies on or after April 8: